Wednesday, January 5, 2011

What Does Fantastic Mean to You?

We all have our own idea of fantastic. My concept of the good life has changed from when I was young.



As an adolescent, I fantasized about living in a big city, going on romantic dates (in an evening gown, of course!), and having an exciting job. I figured I would get married at the mature age of twenty-five and have a few kids later on.

I chuckle thinking of it now. While I enjoy visiting a big city, I could never live in one. I love nature, love having a big yard and a garden. No, I don't go on frequent romantic dates with my husband--especially not in an evening gown!--and the exciting job? Well I quit it years ago to stay home with our children. Oh, yes, I also was off on the whole marriage/kids thing. I fell in love in high school and married at the mature age of twenty-one.

Our vision of the fantastic life changes as we grow and it should.

But there is a downside. If we've been disappointed, we sometimes downgrade our version of the fantastic life to the kind-of-doable-okay life. I've been guilty of it. In fact, I often have to remind myself that dreams can come true. Settling for okay just seems wrong.

My current idea of the fantastic life is pretty simple. I want to grow in my faith and in my marriage. I want to raise healthy, productive, moral children. But on a personal level, I want the career I always dreamed about--I want to be multi-published, to speak at writer's groups, to continue meeting other writers, and to collaborate on projects. I want it all, and I'm not afraid to admit it!

This combination might not be your idea of fantastic, but it's mine. If someone would have told a younger me I could write books for a living, I wouldn't have believed them. The concept was too glamorous for little old me. But now? Yeah. I believe it is possible.

What is your version of the fantastic life? Do you believe it's possible?

Join me on Friday when we'll discuss our safety zones.

33 comments:

  1. I think that's a great definition! Realism balanced with healthy hope. I like it!

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  2. I like your idea of a fantastic life! The great thing is your fantastic life is already sprinkled with realism. You're reaching those dreams, Jill!

    I used to think I wanted life in the big city, too! I love my small town living!!

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  3. Have a near death experience (though I don't really recommend this). life is fantastic, even if you're on the backside of a hill, and anything is possible.

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  4. Jessica: Ooo, nice definition!

    Heather: Realism--no evening gowns? :) I still laugh at what I used to think was glamorous!

    CJ: Yeah, CJ, I'm going to pass (if at all possible) on the near death experience. But you have a good point--it's about our perception.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  5. A fantastic life is one in which we're living our passions, whatever they may be. Following our hearts leads to great places! Happy New Year, Jill ...

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  6. Jill, that's a pretty terrific definition, if I've ever seen one.

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  7. Fantastic is living my passion & yep, it's possible b/c I'm doing it.
    ~ Wendy

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  8. cool question, Jill. What comes to mind for me is something the maintenance man would say to me at this environmental ed. center I worked at years ago: "Great day. Everyday is a great day." I know it's hard to see everyday as a great day but I think what Leon meant was that just being alive constitutes it being a great day.

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  9. I couldn't have described a fantastic life better! I want all of those things too. And, yes, it is possible!

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  10. I go for fantastic days. I can manage those. Sure I have dreams, goals, etc.for my future. But each day is a prize and by the end of the day I ask myself if I did all I could. Even if I'm just close, it's a fantastic day.

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  11. I truly believe its all in your attitude. You have the power to make good things happen.
    saw your comment on pauls blog. Thanks for that. May I send the teachers guide to you?
    terry (at) terrylynnjohnson (dot) com

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  12. Joanne: Yes--passion! That's exactly what the fantastic life is!

    Bonnie: It works for me!

    Wendy: You and Joanne have it right about living passionately. Love it!

    Paul: Great philosophy. Each day is a gift and it's all how we look at it.

    Susan M: Go get 'em, girl!

    Em: I love the idea of doing our best to make each day fantastic. Nice!

    Terri: Welcome! Attitude is essential. I'm so glad you stopped by. I would love the teacher's guide. I'll e-mail you this afternoon!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  13. I'm with you...and a beach house where I can get away to do all my writing...hee hee. THAT would be fantastic. Love your tagline!!!

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  14. Oh my. My fantastic life is a big dream.

    Multi-published, successful author whose books draw people closer to God's heart. To have another baby. Adopt. Quit the day job. Write and parent for a living. Now that's my idea of fantastic.

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  15. Jill, how cool that you're well on your way to living your dreams. I rejoice at the wonderful things that have taken place in your writing life recently and anticipate more good news in the near future.

    For the record, I don't think of you as "old." You're a beautiful young woman.

    My dreams are similar to yours, although I've been there, done that on the child front. Our daughter is in her second year of college. Now she's a remarkable young woman who's teaching me new things. =)

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  16. Great post, Jill. I like your dreams! Mine have changed over the years, too. Right now I'd love a book contract or two, a gig speaking at a writers conference, and our own home on a wooded lot FAR from the city!

    Love
    Jen

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  17. When I was in sixth grade, I dreamed of becoming a published author. That's still my dream and it's still a fantastic one. :-)

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  18. You said it perfectly ... that is my idea of a fantastic, dream-come-true life as well!

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  19. You said it perfectly ... that is my idea of a fantastic, dream-come-true life as well!

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  20. Beth: I'll snag the beach house next to you. Now that would be fantastic!

    Katie: I hear you! I completely understand your desire for another child and to stay home with the kids while you write. I'm blessed that my dream of that came true years ago. I'm praying it will for you too.

    Keli: You're so sweet! And it must feel terrific to know your daughter is on her way to being the adult you wanted her to be. I pray for the same!

    Jen: I'll take that too, please! Love it!

    Melissa: Sixth grade--hold on, woman. It's coming!

    Kelly H-Y: Terrific! We'll share the journey, then!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  21. Great photo! I love the reckless abandon it suggests. Just going for it.

    Fantastic is so subjective, and honestly my definition changes year to year. Mostly I want to be content.

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  22. I would say peace in my family, but ultimately a fantastic life centers on God completely. What else truly matters? :O)

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  23. My fantastic life includes being a Godly wife and mother,becoming multi-published bringing in enough money that part of every sale of my books go to Project Rescue which helps women of India out of sexual slavery, deeper intimacy with Jesus, and to travel all over the world and enjoy His marvelous creation! Oh, and to eat endless chocolate without gaining a pound!

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  24. Yeah, when I was younger I wanted to be famous. I didn't care how...I just wanted people to know who I was. Now I've identified that as the same need most people have of just wanting our lives to mean something. We want to touch others with our words, our actions, whatever. So I write for the same reasons I once wanted fame...to be able to connect with others somehow. (Plus, the fun of creating.)

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  25. Sounds like we have the same goals. BTW, I married my High School love as well.

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  26. I love your idea of a fantastic life and it pretty much sums up where I am. Except I don't want to speak at a writer's groups. The idea makes me ill.

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  27. It's funny...our paths were similar and we didn't even know each other! I also married at the ripe old age of 21. And NEVER did I think I could write anything, let alone a novel.

    As I've grown older, I appreciate the little things so much more. When big things happen, I'll barely be able to contain myself.

    I think 2011 will be a great year for you, Jill. You snagged an agent in 2010, so look out publishing world!

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  28. Georgiana: The photo is fun. I love that there's no snow in it! Being content--what a fantastic concept!

    Diane: Peace in family. Yes, who doesn't want that?

    Jessica: I love your fantastic life. It's clear and lofty and includes chocolate! I give you a lot of credit for donating to Project Rescue.

    Steph: Yeah, I think we just want to share with the world. You are so passionate about writing--I can't wait to read your books!

    T. Anne: Why do we live thousands of miles apart?? We're like twins!

    Amy: I just laughed out loud! I bet you'd be a fabulous speaker, but I hear you on the comfort level!

    Julie: Okay, are you and T Anne and I related somehow? Isn't it funny how much we have in common? And thank you!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  29. It's totally doable to live your fantastic dream! I strive for it every day, and I know that with support and passion, it's possible. Like you, I've been guilty of thinking I have to settle and that I'm not good enough for "fantastic." It's nice to whop myself in the head once awhile and realize that's just not true! :)

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  30. I'd love to be a college professor in literature, have a nice stable income and freelance in the side... we'll see!

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  31. I think fantastic evolved just as we do. And how neat to think it can grow and become (or come from) anything we want it to!

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  32. I hope your fantastic dream comes true, Jill. It's sounds pretty perfect!

    Happy New Year...

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  33. Jill, what a GREAT post!
    Hmmm. I don't even THINK fantastic. Awful. Just hanging onto His ride has captured all my attention.

    Blessings, dear one.
    Patti

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